Gay rights revolution
by Devil’s Food Cake
This is an oldie (kind of) but still a goodie. A couple of weeks ago, the Delhi High Court overturned section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a law that basically criminalized any sexual activity that was deemed to be against the ‘natural order’. The case was finally decided upon after having been pushed back again and again since 2001. Now heard by the High Court in Delhi at the insistence of the Indian Supreme Court, the ruling has come out in certain favour of LGBT people. Fabulous news for one of the largest countries with one of the largest populations in the world.
If that seems a little confusing, this is the part of the law (left over from antiquated colonial rule) that was used to criminalize homosexuality. Now, while it’s not like the war’s over, this is certainly an incredibly important battle to have won. The ruling will probably be challenged and the case taken to the Supreme Court, and it has already been lambasted by a number of people. But we’re gaining ground and that’s the important thing.
Most important is probably the fact that gay men (a largely affected group) will now be able to openly get test or receive treatment for HIV/AIDS – practically an epidemic in India at this point.
Three cities in India had their first Pride marches last year, so things are slowly becoming better and better for Indian gays, certainly from a legal standpoint if nothing else.
Read a full article and find a link to the transcript of the ruling at the BBC website:
yes indian gay stuff is really interesting. in ancient hindu culture i think gays were treated as a holy third sex and were allowed to romp around being sacred, doing dances and blessing people.* god, that would be great.
*might not be strictly accurate….
Chortle. I enjoyed your disclaimer.
I think you may be talking about hijra… there’s not really a Western comparison but they’re not considered gay, they’re third sex, and can perform curses and blessings. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijra_(South_Asia). There’s your learning for the day.